Hemet returns to finals with sweep of depleted Don Lugo lineup

CHINO >> It was just another semifinal for Hemet High School’s volleyball team, its fourth in as many years, while host Don Lugo was not only venturing into unknown territory Tuesday night, but also a circumstance it had never experienced.

As a result, Hemet returned to the CIF-SS Division 4A title game to defend its championship with a 25-14, 25-14, 25-12 victory over Don Lugo. The Bulldogs (22-1) have won the 4A title the past two seasons and a 4AA championship the year before that streak.

The playoff expereience — Hemet has one girl who will be in her fourth final and four in their third — showed in the match. So did the injury suffered by Ayana Knowles, Don Lugo’s best player, during warmups. She injured her right hand and came off the floor early in the first set and did not return.

“That’s the first time she’s been out of the lineup all year,” said Eva Knowles, Ayan’s mother and head coach. “It was hard to take, the girls got emotional after they found out. They were just lost without her.

“We were playing in rotations that we never played all year. Quite a time for that to happen.”

The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead in all three sets to take command. Hemet was ahead 18-5 in the first; pulled away in the second after Don Lugo (15-9) pulled with 11-8 in the second; and withstood a late rally in the third.

The dagger was a thunderous spike by captain Tristan Self late in the third set. Although it gave the Bulldogs a 23-12 lead, if effectively ended the night for Don Lugo. Self is Hemet’s top setter but took advantage of the defense to reach her fourth title game under coach Jamie Washburn.

“Our strength has been our passing and defense,” said Self, “and it sets up our offense. We have been very consistent in that.”

Washburn jokingly said the win “took weight off my shoulders.” But she stressed that her team wasn’t looking ahead, rather taking it one game at a time.

“This is so rewarding,” she said. “We attacked them really well, had tough serves and picked up where we needed to pick up. We go one game at a time; we’ll celebrate later.”

Washburn also noted the play of Baylee Christian, a senior. She was all over the court, slamming points and also serving when needed.

“She’s our star hitter,” said Washburn. “She was very comfortable out there.”